RAWALPINDI; The Chinese leadership has praised the Pakistan Army for its pivotal contribution to regional stability, terming it a “cornerstone of resilience” and a vital force for peace in South Asia, according to a statement by Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Friday.
This recognition comes amid an official visit to China by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, as part of ongoing high-level engagements aimed at deepening strategic and defence cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistan and China share a time-tested strategic alliance built on mutual trust, shared geopolitical interests, and broad-based cooperation. Over the years, this partnership has expanded across sectors including energy, trade, infrastructure, and defence. A key symbol of this cooperation is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which both nations see as a cornerstone for regional connectivity and economic integration.
During his visit to Beijing, COAS Munir met with top Chinese civil and military officials, including Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. These meetings underscored the evolving strategic ties between the two allies and focused on the regional and global political landscape.
According to the ISPR, Chinese leaders reaffirmed their confidence in the robust nature of the Pakistan-China defence relationship and appreciated Islamabad’s consistent efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
“The discussions included a review of connectivity projects under the CPEC, the importance of multilateral coordination in addressing shared geopolitical challenges, and a mutual desire to safeguard sovereign equality,” the statement said.
The Chinese leadership specifically acknowledged the Pakistan Armed Forces for their steadfastness and constructive role in countering regional threats and fostering security.
The military component of the visit featured comprehensive talks on expanding bilateral defence collaboration, including counterterrorism cooperation, joint military training, technological modernization, and institutional development.
ISPR noted that special emphasis was placed on enhancing operational interoperability and strategic coordination between the armed forces of both nations, particularly in response to hybrid warfare and transnational security threats.
Upon his arrival at the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Headquarters, Field Marshal Munir was accorded a guard of honour—a ceremonial gesture reflecting the historic bond and mutual respect between the Pakistani and Chinese militaries.
The COAS expressed gratitude for China’s unwavering diplomatic and defence support and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening military-to-military engagement across all dimensions.
The ISPR emphasized that the visit marks a significant development in the deepening politico-military relationship between the two countries and reflects their joint resolve to maintain high-level dialogue in pursuit of regional peace and long-term strategic objectives.
Meanwhile, in a separate development underscoring growing economic collaboration, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Shandong Xinxu Group—a major step aimed at revitalizing Pakistan’s shipping sector.
This comes on the heels of a recent meeting between Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, development, and comprehensive strategic cooperation.